Letters

October 26, 2006

Carpenter Is Still

A Positive Influence

The most important things in life are learned in kindergarten. Kindergarten is the place where each of us learns that we are part of a community that extends far beyond the reach of our eyes. Hindsight is always perfect, but as a student in Barbara Carpenter's 1989-1990 kindergarten class, I was not aware of the value of sharing, respect, or individuality; however, each of my peers' parents and my own trusted Barbara Carpenter with our exposure to and development of such invaluable characteristics.

Barbara Carpenter has worked as a tireless volunteer for the community of West Hartford. With more than 20-plus years of teaching experience and community outreach, Barbara Carpenter represents dignity, integrity, generosity, and dependability. She believes in each of her students with love and compassion and therefore pushes each of her students to truly ``do their best.'' Barbara Carpenter holds extremely high standards for each of her students, yet the standards by which she holds herself accountable are a true testament to the way in which she views the future of our community by continually striving for excellence. Her energy and enthusiasm allow for her to welcome future challenges with open arms, yet it is her grace and intelligence that always bring a quick resolution.

Barbara Carpenter has been and will continue to be a strong, positive influence not only in my life, but also within those of my family. Although my brothers and I are no longer enrolled in her kindergarten class at Braeburn Elementary School in West Hartford, we will always be her students and she will always continue to push for us to achieve excellence in all that we do. Kindergarten teachers assume great responsibility, without them we would not learn the value of honesty. Now, honesty is that which our family values most, and likewise so does Barbara Carpenter. We support her for state Republican and we know we can count on her to do the best work for us in this role.

Colin S. Hirst, West Hartford

Count On Aron

To Serve District

This Democrat supports Republican candidate Judy Aron, running in the 18th District against Andrew Fleischmann. We should look beyond party confinements and make integrity the key issue.

It's no secret that Fleishmann has been using this ``safe'' seat as a springboard for higher office: state comptroller, state senator and secretary of the state.

A former assistant to the former Connecticut state comptroller, Fleischmann let it be known that he'd run for that office should it become vacant. In 2004, he unsuccessfully tried to earn the Democratic nomination for the 5th Senatorial District that ultimately went to former Mayor Jonathan Harris. Last year, he attempted to run for secretary of the state.

The media never covered the tumultuous 2004 battle between Fleischmann and Harris. Those in political circles know that Fleischmann came up short and abandoned his bid when he couldn't get Democratic town committee support. How could this ``seasoned veteran'' lose a delegate battle in a staunchly Democratic town to a relatively ``new kid on the block.''? Also interesting to note is that Fleischmann doesn't hold a leadership position in the House Democratic caucus even after 12 years of service!

Fleischmann is always aspiring to some higher office, but Aron will fully concentrate on serving the needs of her constituents. The difference is one of dedication to the residents of the 18th District. Judy Aron is definitely capable of unseating Rep. Andrew Fleischmann, and this Democrat hopes she does.